What Ramen Is High in Protein? Brands and Customization

November 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Most traditional instant ramen contains only about 5 grams of protein per serving, making it an incomplete meal. Fortunately, several specialty brands offer high-protein instant ramen, and you can easily upgrade any bowl with nutrient-rich add-ins for a more balanced and satisfying meal.

Quick Summary

Specialty brands like Chef Woo, Hethstia, and Vite Ramen produce protein-fortified instant noodles with 22g to 32g per serving. Alternatively, you can boost standard ramen by adding eggs, tofu, chicken, or edamame for a complete, protein-rich dish.

Key Points

Specialty Brands: Look for instant ramen from companies like Chef Woo, Hethstia, Vite Ramen, and immi, which are formulated for high protein content.
Instant Upgrades: Eggs, pre-cooked meats (chicken, pork), and seafood (shrimp) are quick and easy animal-based proteins to add to any ramen bowl.
Plant-Powered Boosts: Tofu, edamame, tempeh, and peanut butter are excellent plant-based options for increasing the protein in your ramen.
Build a Balanced Meal: Combine your protein source with fresh vegetables like spinach, bok choy, and mushrooms for a more nutritious and filling dish.
Control Sodium: Opt for low-sodium brands or use less of the flavor packet, relying on whole ingredients and spices to control salt intake.
Recipe Customization: Enhancing ramen with added protein offers flexibility and customization, allowing you to create a personalized, healthy meal.

High-Protein Instant Ramen Options

While most conventional instant ramen is low in protein, a growing market of health-conscious brands offers fortified versions. These products use alternative ingredients or added protein to create a more nutritious meal without sacrificing convenience.

Specialized Brands for a Quick Fix

For those seeking a high-protein bowl straight from the package, these brands are leading the charge:

Chef Woo: This brand offers a fully plant-based, high-protein ramen using organic pea protein. Each package can contain as much protein as three eggs, with a complete amino acid profile.
Hethstia: Hethstia provides instant ramen options with up to 32 grams of plant-based protein per serving, using air-dried noodles instead of fried ones for a healthier profile.
Vite Ramen: Known for its nutrient-dense approach, Vite Ramen offers protein-rich and fiber-packed ramen, often appealing to those looking for a complete and balanced meal.
immi: A brand focused on low-carb, high-protein instant ramen, immi's products are also 100% plant-based and often lower in sodium than traditional versions.
VOLO VERO: Offering a variety of plant-based flavors, VOLO VERO also packs 32 grams of protein per serving in its air-dried, non-fried instant ramen.

Comparison of High-Protein Instant Ramen Brands


Brand	Protein Source	Protein (per serving)	Key Feature
Chef Woo	Organic Pea	~18-20g	Plant-based, complete protein
Hethstia	Plant-based	~31-32g	Air-dried, not fried, vegan options
Vite Ramen	Proprietary	Variable (High)	Nutrient-dense, focuses on complete nutrition
immi	Plant-based	Variable (High)	Low-carb, low-sodium option
VOLO VERO	Plant-based	32g	Non-fried, air-dried, vegan

Customizing Your Ramen for a Protein Boost

Even if you're using a standard instant or homemade ramen, you can significantly increase the protein content with easy additions. Adding your own ingredients allows for more customization and control over the nutritional value.

Animal-Based Protein Additions

Eggs: A soft-boiled, hard-boiled, or poached egg is a classic and easy way to add about 6 grams of protein to your bowl. For a creamy texture, whisk a raw egg into simmering broth to create an egg drop effect.
Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken or thinly sliced chicken thighs can be added directly to the hot broth to warm through. For a richer flavor, sear the chicken separately before adding.
Pork: Thinly sliced pork tenderloin or pre-cooked pork belly are traditional choices that add rich flavor and substantial protein.
Shrimp: Cooked or raw shrimp can be added to the boiling broth, cooking quickly as the noodles simmer.

Plant-Based Protein Additions

Tofu: Pan-fried or air-fried extra-firm tofu cubes soak up the broth's flavor beautifully while adding a hearty texture and 10g of protein per 100g.
Edamame: Frozen edamame is a convenient addition that provides a crunch and around 12g of protein per 100g.
Tempeh: Cubes of tempeh can be added for a nutty flavor and firm texture, providing another excellent plant-based protein source.
Peanut Butter: A spoonful of peanut butter stirred into the broth adds a creamy, savory dimension and a surprising protein boost.

Quick and Easy Protein Hacks

Here are some of the fastest ways to get more protein into your ramen:

Add a beaten egg: Simply swirl it into the hot broth just before serving for an egg drop effect.
Use rotisserie chicken: Shred and add leftover chicken for minimal effort and maximum protein.
Include frozen edamame: Toss a handful into the broth with the noodles; they'll cook quickly.
Add canned tuna: For a unique and fast option, stir a packet of canned tuna into the finished bowl.

Making a More Balanced High-Protein Ramen

To create a complete meal, combine your high-protein base with other nutritious elements:

Use low-sodium broth: If you are using a flavor packet, consider using only a portion and supplementing with a low-sodium broth, miso paste, or fresh aromatics to control sodium levels.
Add vegetables: Bulk up your ramen with vegetables like spinach, bok choy, carrots, or mushrooms. They add fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Incorporate healthy fats: A drizzle of toasted sesame oil or a spoonful of peanut butter adds richness and healthy fats to your bowl.

Conclusion

Whether you opt for a specialty high-protein instant ramen brand or choose to enhance a classic bowl with your own protein-packed add-ins, there are many simple ways to make this popular comfort food more nutritious. By being mindful of your protein source—from plant-based alternatives like pea protein, tofu, and edamame, to animal proteins like chicken and eggs—you can ensure your ramen is a filling and well-rounded meal. This makes a satisfying and healthful choice accessible to everyone, from a quick work lunch to a cozy dinner at home.

For more recipe inspiration, check out this guide on Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Instant Noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brands like Hethstia, VOLO VERO, and Chef Woo offer some of the highest protein content, often providing 31-32 grams per serving, using plant-based protein sources.

Yes, you can easily make regular instant ramen high in protein by adding ingredients like eggs, chicken, shrimp, or tofu. This allows you to control the quality and quantity of protein.

Excellent vegetarian protein additions include pan-fried tofu, frozen edamame, cubed tempeh, a spoonful of peanut butter, and chopped peanuts.

For an egg-drop consistency, whisk a raw egg in a bowl and slowly drizzle it into the simmering broth. For a poached egg, crack it into the hot broth after cooking the noodles, cover, and let it sit for a couple of minutes.

Many high-protein instant ramen brands, such as immi, specifically advertise lower sodium content. For other brands, you can control the sodium by only using part of the flavor packet or substituting with low-sodium broth.

Plant-based protein ramen uses sources like pea or soy, while animal-based protein comes from ingredients like eggs, chicken, or beef. Specialty instant brands often use plant-based protein, while homemade additions can be either.

Not all are. Brands like Hethstia and VOLO VERO use air-dried, non-fried noodles, which results in a healthier product with less fat than traditional instant ramen.

For the easiest, no-cook protein addition, simply stir in a pre-cooked protein like leftover rotisserie chicken or a packet of canned tuna. Tossing in frozen edamame is also very fast and easy.